Poo stuck on some chickens’ bottoms

[Three Little Bunnies]

Hi!

My Barred Rocks and Americana seem to have this issue a lot.

They poop but the poo gets stuck on their bottom feathers. For a while this would happen and eventually it got so heavy that the feathers tore out.

I would rather this not happen. How can I help my girls?

 

[FortCluck]

Cut the feathers near their vent. They must have extra fluff or something.

It could be pasty butt but that’s more common with chicks. I’d say it’s vent gleet

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/vent-gleet-aka-nasty-chicken-butt.64647/

 

[Three Little Bunnies]

Cut the feathers near their vent. They must have extra fluff or something.

It could be pasty butt but that’s more common with chicks. I’d say it’s vent gleet

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/vent-gleet-aka-nasty-chicken-butt.64647/

Thanks! I appreciate the help.

 

[aart]

They poop but the poo gets stuck on their bottom feathers. For a while this would happen and eventually it got so heavy that the feathers tore out.

Is it juicy poops?
Should be trimmed before it gets heavy enough for feathers to tear out.
Flystrike is a real risk.

 

[Jeanw]

My Plymouth barred rocks have this problem of poopy feathers too. I’ve had to clean their butts with warm water and dawn soap in the tub and then trim back feathers. They get a little spa day.

 

[Manhen]

The ameriaucana's are great foragers. A diet high in bugs ends up with poopy butts. This is usually clear on a Leghorn.

 

[Three Little Bunnies]

Is it juicy poops?
Should be trimmed before it gets heavy enough for feathers to tear out.
Flystrike is a real risk.

It doesn't look juicy, just like normal poop that got stuck on their feathers. Occasionally they will have a wet one, as I live in a hot climate so they drink a lot of water.

 

[Three Little Bunnies]

My Plymouth barred rocks have this problem of poopy feathers too. I’ve had to clean their butts with warm water and dawn soap in the tub and then trim back feathers. They get a little spa day.

Thanks for the recommendation! That may be a bit difficult since most of my BPRs are not super thrilled about being handled.

 

[Three Little Bunnies]

The ameriaucana's are great foragers. A diet high in bugs ends up with poopy butts. This is usually clear on a Leghorn.

I also have White Leghorns, and they don't have this issue, so I am not sure. My Americana does like foraging though.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Thanks for the recommendation! That may be a bit difficult since most of my BPRs are not super thrilled about being handled.

Try to snag them at night. I've dealt well with even the most unruly birds when they are sleepy and calm for the night. Good luck! I've got a few poopy rears that need cleaned up too....